As believers, the Son of God dwells in us. The spiritual temptations that He faced are now the temptations that we face. What is the answer against temptation? Abide in His presence. This past week has been a journey to quiet myself each day and abide in His love. I've learned that abiding in His love means to have the ability to seek Him in the secret place, but also to walk with Him throughout the day. Chambers wrote, "God engineers circumstances and whatever they may be like we have to see that face them while abiding continually with Him in His temptations." During the spring semester I took an ethics class. One key thing I learned about circumstances through that class is that you physically can not love every single person that you pass by. This was difficult for me, because even though it may not be physically possible, boy do I try! I soon learned that what my teacher meant by this is that you can not have genuine experiences with people that you pass by on the street. It is those circumstances that are specifically engineered by God that "We wear His badge" and answer "yes" to the question, "are we going with Him?". These may be interactions with strangers or with friend or family. Always remember to love as He loved us!
"Do you continue to go with Jesus? The way lies through Gethsemane, through the city gate, outside the camp; the way lies alone, and the way lies until there is no trace of a footstep left, only the voice, "Follow Me." Abide and walk with Him.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Day 6: He did not tire
I am in awe of the works of Jesus during His time of ministry. He healed the blind man, made the lame walk, and spoke words of power and love. In Matthew 3 Jesus was baptized. Immediately afterward, in Matthew 4, Jesus was tempted. His temptation was not like ours, "The temptations of Jesus are not those of a man, but the temptations of God as Man...He did not tire. He went through the temptation "without sin," and He retained the possessions of His personality intact" (Chambers). It was after this time that Jesus began the ministry that turned the world upside down. The power of this work is unfathomable. He did not tire...Amen!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Day 5: Hope and Fire!
How can we come into true understanding of our beliefs without testing, without temptation? We often think about that word as something evil and to be avoided, when really, we should have the opposite reaction, we should welcome it. This is not to say that we should seek out temptation or give into it, but rather conquer it! "Not to be tempted would be to be beneath contempt" (Chambers). Jesus was tempted. He knows the struggle. During our personal times of trial He helps and comforts us. To pass through the fire proves that we are genuine and continually growing towards likeness of Christ.
1 Peter 1:3-9...
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
1 Peter 1:3-9...
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Day 4: In the Secret Place
""Everyone that asketh receiveth." We pray pious blether, our will is not in it, and then we say God does not answer; we never asked for anything. "Ye shall ask what ye will," said Jesus. Asking means our will is in it. Whenever Jesus talked about prayer, He put it with the grand simplicity of a child: we bring in our critical temper and say - Yes, but...Jesus said "Ask." But remember that we have to ask of God things that are in keeping with the God Whom Jesus Christ revealed."
What is the intent of prayer? In his Upmost For His Highest, Oswald Chambers talks about coming before Christ in secret prayer with pure and honest intentions, "Have no other motive than to know your Father in heaven." The pursuit of relationship with Christ was our purpose for being created and prayer is the passageway. Our longing should be to enter into a relationship where, "Prayer is not simply getting things from God, that is a most initial form of prayer; prayer is getting into perfect communion with God." May God ignite your passion and desire to find Him in the secret place.
What is the intent of prayer? In his Upmost For His Highest, Oswald Chambers talks about coming before Christ in secret prayer with pure and honest intentions, "Have no other motive than to know your Father in heaven." The pursuit of relationship with Christ was our purpose for being created and prayer is the passageway. Our longing should be to enter into a relationship where, "Prayer is not simply getting things from God, that is a most initial form of prayer; prayer is getting into perfect communion with God." May God ignite your passion and desire to find Him in the secret place.
Day 3: Different Standpoints
Last night I was busy doing homework and slacked off in my post, but that doesn't mean that I wasn't able to glean something from my devotional reading...
"Others are doing things which to you would be walking in craftiness, but it may not be so with them: God has given you another standpoint." This is a HUGE topic and can probably extend to so many things in life, but what it really comes down to is: don't judge. God has given each one of us different views, or standpoints, and it is only God's standards by which we are judged. Just as God has given us different talents and gifts, isn't it also possible that he has also given us different ears to hear? The answer...YES...heck that's why we have so many different church denominations! The key point is that we must be understanding of one another and open to the voice of God speaking to one another in different ways. So that's all on that. Not too deep or spiritual, just a few of my insights from yesterday.
"Others are doing things which to you would be walking in craftiness, but it may not be so with them: God has given you another standpoint." This is a HUGE topic and can probably extend to so many things in life, but what it really comes down to is: don't judge. God has given each one of us different views, or standpoints, and it is only God's standards by which we are judged. Just as God has given us different talents and gifts, isn't it also possible that he has also given us different ears to hear? The answer...YES...heck that's why we have so many different church denominations! The key point is that we must be understanding of one another and open to the voice of God speaking to one another in different ways. So that's all on that. Not too deep or spiritual, just a few of my insights from yesterday.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Day 2: It's Simple
"Simplicity is the secret of seeing things clearly...Immediately we obey, we discern...When the natural power of vision is devoted to the Holy Spirit, it becomes the power of perceiving God's will and the whole life is kept in simplicity." ~Oswald Chambers
These are some of the key phrases that stood out to me as I read my devotional for the day. I think is some way that they connect with what God has placed on my heart at this moment. In the MAT I am taking a class called Special and Diverse Populations. As an assignment we had to read the book Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol. This book compares the richy-rich schools to those in absolutely devastating poverty. It also talks about the severe depravity some children in America are facing every day in places like East St. Louis, Illinois, where the average crime index is 7xs the US average, and where over 50% of the population is under poverty levels. As we discuss this I am so upset by this information that I'm screaming on the inside, "Why isn't anyone doing anything?!? Where is the justic one behalf of these kids???" Our teacher provides a possible answer..."The American will, no the individual will, is the deciding factor." Our will as a nation is so weak and blinded sometimes! As I was sitting in class I was reminded of Revelation 3:15-17 that says, "15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." Verse 17 is a whole other story, but in the end the choice is simple...we have to choose to do something, to not be lukewarm. Our teacher encouraged us to stand up against inequality. Will you stand with me?
More info about East St. Louis can be found at: East St. Louis Action Research Project website http://www.eslarp.uiuc.edu/view/why-east-st-louis.aspx
These are some of the key phrases that stood out to me as I read my devotional for the day. I think is some way that they connect with what God has placed on my heart at this moment. In the MAT I am taking a class called Special and Diverse Populations. As an assignment we had to read the book Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol. This book compares the richy-rich schools to those in absolutely devastating poverty. It also talks about the severe depravity some children in America are facing every day in places like East St. Louis, Illinois, where the average crime index is 7xs the US average, and where over 50% of the population is under poverty levels. As we discuss this I am so upset by this information that I'm screaming on the inside, "Why isn't anyone doing anything?!? Where is the justic one behalf of these kids???" Our teacher provides a possible answer..."The American will, no the individual will, is the deciding factor." Our will as a nation is so weak and blinded sometimes! As I was sitting in class I was reminded of Revelation 3:15-17 that says, "15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." Verse 17 is a whole other story, but in the end the choice is simple...we have to choose to do something, to not be lukewarm. Our teacher encouraged us to stand up against inequality. Will you stand with me?
More info about East St. Louis can be found at: East St. Louis Action Research Project website http://www.eslarp.uiuc.edu/view/why-east-st-louis.aspx
Monday, September 14, 2009
Day 1: Surrender
This morning I woke up and read my devotional for the day from My Utmost for His Highest. The topic was surrender and I was so moved by this that I decided I wanted to surrender and submit something before Him. I felt that He had, very intentionally, placed the call to fast from Facebook on my heart and so today I begin Day 1 of my Facebook Fast. The key sentence in the devotional message, for me, was this: "The whole of the life after surrender is an aspiration for unbroken communion with God." After to submitting our lives to Him we began this inspiring journey towards a relationship of unbroken communion with the Creator! This just stirs such a passion within my heart that is indescribable. I am intrigued by the word aspiration within this sentence. Aspiration has multiple meanings, the one that would be common to associate with this senctence is "a strong desire to achieve something high or great", but it also means "an audible breath that accompanies or comprises a speech sound" or "the act of breathing or breathing in". We start to breathe in His life, to speak His life as we seek a relationship of unbroken communion with Him. How awesome is that!?! May God bless you richly as you surrender and seek His face. Amen!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Reflections
Last week I attended a Good Friday lunch that allowed me to truly come into a realization of the season we have just entered, the real NEW YEAR! They have paper available on the tables so that people can write if they please as they reflect upon the death of Christ...and ultimately the resurrection three days later. Below is a combination of some key phrases that struck me throughout the afternoon:
Jesus didn't die to make us cry. Jesus died to give us the freedom to laugh. He took away our sins so that we might be free, to be anointed by his spirit and to follow that anointing where our flesh wouldn't necessarily want to go. How great Thou art! The bright and morning star shines up us in all His glory! Awaken my heart to all that you have called me into in this coming New Year; a New Year that begins at the death of the savior. We are free because of the wounds that He suffered. We are free because he went to the depths of hell to release us. We are free because he ROSE! The Father's heart was torn as He watched His only begotten son die on the cross. The body was torn and hung and as it was finished the Father held the spirit of His Son while he freed us from the slavery of sin, as not to tarnish his pure spirit. We are free because of that day. The tomb was rolled back and we came to the realization that all had changed, never to be the same. Owe no debts, except the debt to love one another (Romans 13:8). We are to repay the cost of this day by not only loving God, but by loving and serving one another. Dead to Sin & Alive in Christ! Amen!
Jesus didn't die to make us cry. Jesus died to give us the freedom to laugh. He took away our sins so that we might be free, to be anointed by his spirit and to follow that anointing where our flesh wouldn't necessarily want to go. How great Thou art! The bright and morning star shines up us in all His glory! Awaken my heart to all that you have called me into in this coming New Year; a New Year that begins at the death of the savior. We are free because of the wounds that He suffered. We are free because he went to the depths of hell to release us. We are free because he ROSE! The Father's heart was torn as He watched His only begotten son die on the cross. The body was torn and hung and as it was finished the Father held the spirit of His Son while he freed us from the slavery of sin, as not to tarnish his pure spirit. We are free because of that day. The tomb was rolled back and we came to the realization that all had changed, never to be the same. Owe no debts, except the debt to love one another (Romans 13:8). We are to repay the cost of this day by not only loving God, but by loving and serving one another. Dead to Sin & Alive in Christ! Amen!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Please Pray!
As I was doing my dishes I just had this really strong urge to blog about this so that those who view it might pray tomorrow...
Over this last week God has really been pressing on my heart the idea of thinking missionally where you are at right now and to not put it off. Then last night I went to the Way (after not going for about 4 months) with Emily and Kara. The discussion was about not forgetting God's heart for the world, he calls us to the widows and the orphans. What really convicted me was the fact that I haven't even had the heart or guts to reach out to my own family! This breaks my heart and I just know it breaks God's heart. Yesterday I felt this call like I've never felt before to take action. So tomorrow I'm starting to do something about it. I'm going to invite my grandma out for coffee and just talk to her about her relationship with God. I know that she used to go to church a long time ago, when my mom was little, but I've never talked to her about it. I feel like in the past she has been hurt by the church and by religious people, so I hope that by just opening up to her in honesty and love that she will see the true heart of Jesus.
If you are reading this please pray! Please pray that I would have boldness, that she would have an open heart, that Jesus reveals himself to her, and that he would welcome another beloved daughter into his arms. Amen.
Over this last week God has really been pressing on my heart the idea of thinking missionally where you are at right now and to not put it off. Then last night I went to the Way (after not going for about 4 months) with Emily and Kara. The discussion was about not forgetting God's heart for the world, he calls us to the widows and the orphans. What really convicted me was the fact that I haven't even had the heart or guts to reach out to my own family! This breaks my heart and I just know it breaks God's heart. Yesterday I felt this call like I've never felt before to take action. So tomorrow I'm starting to do something about it. I'm going to invite my grandma out for coffee and just talk to her about her relationship with God. I know that she used to go to church a long time ago, when my mom was little, but I've never talked to her about it. I feel like in the past she has been hurt by the church and by religious people, so I hope that by just opening up to her in honesty and love that she will see the true heart of Jesus.
If you are reading this please pray! Please pray that I would have boldness, that she would have an open heart, that Jesus reveals himself to her, and that he would welcome another beloved daughter into his arms. Amen.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Grace on earth and from above
It's hard to believe that my recital is already DONE! On the one hand it is so nice to have it done because now I have a lot more "free" time, but on the other hand I now have senioritis like none other. I am feeling a definite lack of motivation to do all types of homework. I have never had to do this before but I have had to ask for two extensions over these past two weeks, because of the recital. It is amazing how much grace teachers are willing to give; I know that is something that I am definitely thankful for now!
I was asked by the band chaplains to give a devotional a couple weeks ago and finally had the opportunity to really take some time to prepare. This last Thursday I got up in front of the band and let the words that I felt like God had for both me and the band to flow out. There was a particular song that I've heard playing on Air1 that has been on my heart. By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North is the name of the song. What struck me about it was the fact that unlike many other Christian songs that are focused "outwardly" and "upwardly", this song was focused "downwardly", from God to us. How often do we truly take the time to just let God soak us with his love? Personally, I know that I struggle with this. It was only when I had the time to truly wait that I heard the words of God speak to me through this song (I was actually waiting for a group of people that were carpooling with me to take the Praxis II Music test at 6am in the morning). So.. if you have $.99, I would recommend that you download the song off of iTunes and listen to it. Despite the fact that I still have homework to do I'm perfecting my art of procrastination and blogging, but remember that no matter how busy you get God is right by your side. Have a lovely evening.
I was asked by the band chaplains to give a devotional a couple weeks ago and finally had the opportunity to really take some time to prepare. This last Thursday I got up in front of the band and let the words that I felt like God had for both me and the band to flow out. There was a particular song that I've heard playing on Air1 that has been on my heart. By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North is the name of the song. What struck me about it was the fact that unlike many other Christian songs that are focused "outwardly" and "upwardly", this song was focused "downwardly", from God to us. How often do we truly take the time to just let God soak us with his love? Personally, I know that I struggle with this. It was only when I had the time to truly wait that I heard the words of God speak to me through this song (I was actually waiting for a group of people that were carpooling with me to take the Praxis II Music test at 6am in the morning). So.. if you have $.99, I would recommend that you download the song off of iTunes and listen to it. Despite the fact that I still have homework to do I'm perfecting my art of procrastination and blogging, but remember that no matter how busy you get God is right by your side. Have a lovely evening.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Up Late
I've decided that I'm going to try and become more consistent with keeping a blog. I try and most of the time I fail, but I might as well put forth an effort.
My recital is coming up VERY quickly. 6 days! This weekend was very productive in getting things ready, which was really nice, because it just means that I won't have to worry about it on Saturday. Another thing that I've got almost completed...my MAT application. I just need to edit my essay slightly and get one small piece of information and I will be ready to send it in. That will be a huge relief as it is due on Feb. 1st. Just one more thing that I won't have to worry about the sooner I get it done. It's crazy, after my recital is over and after All-NW I'll barely have anything to do it seems like. Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the class loads turn out. But honestly the 2 things I care about will be done and I will be sooooo ready to graduate.
Malia is coming on Thursday! I'm really excited about this because the Sisterhood will be united once again! Also because I've missed Malia tons. I can't believe that she has been gone for 9 months! It's amazing how quickly time passes. Well I think I better get to bed because it is ridiculously late. May you be blessed!
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